Keeping Our Eye On: Laura Mann

Laura Mann

Age: 25
Hometown: Clinton
Education: Bachelor of arts in mass communication and journalism, University of Southern Mississippi
Current Position: Producer and director for Mississippi Public Broadcasting

Laura Mann’s parents always told her she could be anything she wanted. “When I told them I wanted to be a professional soccer player, they were on board,” says Mann.  Undaunted when her dreams of playing under the lights were dashed, Mann set out to become a sideline sports reporter.

But when entering her field in college, Mann found herself switching sides of the production. “I realized my love of being behind the scenes and piecing together a project far outweighed being in front of the camera,” says Mann.

Now working as a producer and director for Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Mann is currently producing the program “Southern Expressions” and recently associate produced the documentary “Home Front to Battlefront: Mississippi During WWII.” Mann says the documentary “afforded me the opportunity to travel all around Mississippi and delve into the lives of some of Mississippi’s finest.”  Mann says her job at MPB gives her the chance to “work with some of the most creative people in the business who all come together to educate, entertain and enlighten Mississippians.”

Mann is also active in her community and has participated in organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots and the Pine Belt Animal Shelter.

Mississippi’s best-kept secret: Mississippi has some of the finest artists in the world, many whose work can be seen at the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. The Guild also offers classes and incredible demonstrations from the artists.
Must-have Mississippi food: Letha’s BBQ in Hattiesburg has the best ribs and pulled pork, and the BBQ sauce is amazing.
Favorite hangout: I adore Underground 119 in downtown Jackson.  It has a great atmosphere and always features live blues and jazz bands.

One Response to “Keeping Our Eye On: Laura Mann”

1. Chris Says:
   December 21st, 2009 at 3:13 pm

   Southern Expressions is a great show. The host Ron Brown does an excellent job on speaking with the artists and always seems to ask the right questions.